Arabs' Generosity and Hospitality in the Arabian Peninsula - Essay Example

?Arabs' Generosity and Hospitality in the Arabian Peninsula The Arabs have a unique race and a unique culture with many qualities that distinguish them from the rest of the world. The Arabian Peninsula accommodates the Arab countries and there is striking similarity in the culture, values, norms, trends and traditions of the people of these countries. One thing that particularly differentiates the Arab people from most other people of the world is their behavior. Some of the most outstanding and unique traits of the Arab customs are that they are very generous and hospitable. Being generous and extending good hospitality, to the Arabs, is a behavioral norm that is of immense value and is an intrinsic element of their culture. They find it more than just one of the admirable behaviors. The Arabs consider being generous and hospitable a matter of honor and feel obliged to display it toward others as if it is a sacred duty that they have to perform. One of the explanations of the generous hospitality of the Arabs is that the Arab Bedouins, particularly the ones in the Arabian Peninsula, have spent several centuries living in the environment of a desert wherein the traveling nomads depended upon their social behavior, links, and especially hospitality in order to sustain through extreme hunger, thirst, and attacks made by enemies. Different tribes had different things with them and they would frequently exchange things will one another to accommodate one another’s needs. With the passage of time, these customs of hospitality originally started from the Bedouins spread among all Arabs including the people of the villages and the cities. The result of this centuries long cultivation of behavior is that today, when an Arab from the Arabian peninsula treats an outsider with hospitality, he does not only do it in order to entertain the guest or make him/her feel like at home, but he also treats the outsider with hospitality because this is the requirement of his culture and customs and thus, he feels obliged to deal with others this way. It is for the very reason that a vast majority of Arabs are extremely skilled in dealing others with hospitality. Arabs deal others with hospitality irrespective of personal cost and also expect the other person to be polite to them. Another major reason of the extreme generosity and hospitality of the Arabs is that they are encouraged by their religion to be that way. The influence on Islam on the culture of the Arabs cannot be overemphasized. This is evident from almost all good behaviors displayed by the Arabs. For example, the Arabs of the Arabian Peninsula frequently make use of these words in their everyday conversation with one another; inshaAllah and mashaAllah, which mean “if Allah wills so” and “as Allah has willed” respectively. Islam is the religion of a vast majority of Arabs in the Arabian Peninsula. Islam places immense emphasis on the hospitality of guests and encourages its followers to be highly generous to others. Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) said, “Nothing shall ensure the welfare (and interests) of your religion except generosity and good disposition” (ezsoftech.com, 2011). This is the reason why Islam has a well-defined system of Zakat i.e. charity. While paying Zakat is obligatory upon every Muslim who has assets or money above a certain limit, Islam also encourages its followers to pay more than just Zakat from what they have to the deserving; known as Sadqa in Islam. Allah says, “Take alms from their wealth in order to purify them and sanctify them with it, and invoke Allah for them” (9:103 cited in Jabir al-Jaza'iry, 2013). In addition to Zakat and Sadqa, gift-giving is a very popular practice and tradition of Islam. Islam encourages its followers to exchange gifts with one another because it promotes love between them and causes the animosity to recede. It is important to note here that Islam has defined particular standards for gift-giving. Islam encourages its followers to give the same thing to others as gifts that they would choose for themselves. Islamic practices, trends, and traditions are the foundation on which the whole Arab culture rests. For the most part, all good behaviors of the Arabs including their generosity and hospitality can be attributed to their religious affiliation with Islam and practicing of the religion. For example, Islam encourages its followers to offer water to other thirsty people first and then drink. Muslims draw examples of these behaviors from the history of Islam, and these behaviors have now become integrated in the Arab culture. The Muslim majority of the Arabs living in the Arabian Peninsula have this strong religious reason for dealing others with immense generosity and hospitality. When they reflect at the life of the Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.), they get innumerable examples where He showed mercy and forgiveness for those who had been His enemies and had contemplated plans to harm Him in different ways. In Madinah, when the opponents of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) increased their persecution, He refused to curse them saying, “I have not been sent to lay a curse upon men but to be a blessing to them” (Muslim cited in Chaudhry, 2012). Although the opponents of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) continued treating Him cruelly, yet He always remained patient and prayed for them so that they come out of ignorance and become the believers. Being Muslims, the Arabs try to follow their Prophet in the same footsteps and thus deal with others with generosity and hospitality. Islam has deemed character extremely important to succeed both in this world and in the world hereafter. Generosity and hospitality help improve the character of an individual, and are thus adopted as behavioral practices and norms by a vast majority of the Arabs in the Arabian Peninsula. Another very important reason of the extreme generosity and hospitality of the Arab people in the Arabian Peninsula is the fact that they are by nature very sociable people. It is hard to find an Arab who is reserved and introverted. Arabs believe in the strength and advantages of social networking and thus promote it on every level. They get together very frequently, share their views, opinion, and ideas about different projects and the ongoing social and political circumstances. This can, in part, be attributed to the fact that most of the Arab countries in the Arabian Peninsula are very homogeneous societies in that the people have one culture, one religion, and almost the same socioeconomic status. This homogeneity has been a distinguishing feature of the Arab countries in the Arabian Peninsula since very old times; “It is obvious that most of the Arabian Peninsula was inhabited by the original Arabs from various kingdoms and clans – yet they had many things in common in regards to customs, culture and religious beliefs” (Shokatfard, 2012). Even today in these Arab countries, the governments take so good care of their national citizens that there is hardly any local Arab who is poor. The government provides the national citizens with funds and benefits of all sorts so that they can have a high standard of living. Almost every Arab country in the Arabian Peninsula has abundant supply of oil that it experts and gets revenue to enhance the lifestyle of the national Arabs. The homogeneity of culture, religion, and socioeconomic status brings all Arabs together on the same platform and they can relate to and interact with one another more easily and comfortably. As a result of this, they develop very good affiliation with one another and thus are very generous and hospitable toward each other. Over the passage of time, these behaviors have become integrated in the culture of these Arab countries and they deal with both the national Arabs of their own like and the outsiders with the same respect, dignity, and affection without any discrimination. Arabs have gained a lot of popularity for their generosity and hospitality. They are famous for the behavior that if someone praises an Arab for something that he owns, the Arab would gift that thing to the person who praised. However, they also expect the other person to refuse to take that thing. The argument thus fluctuates back and forth as either of the two parties proclaim a highly virtuous position. This pattern of insistence and resistance is repeatedly observed. Watching two Arabs paying for the bill of a meal in a restaurant can be a very interesting experience. The first Arab would ask the second that he should not worry about the bill as the first Arab would make the payment. The second Arab would say that it is not possible that the first Arab gets to pay while the second is there with him; so he will make the payment instead. The first Arab would take the wallet out immediately from his pocket without considering the stance of the second Arab. The second Arab, in turn, would place his money on the table even before the first Arab takes money out of his own wallet. “It seems that anytime something is offered, from a cup of tea to a villa, there is an attempt to refuse it; and every time that there is an attempt to refuse something offered there is an added insistence that it be accepted” (globalsecurity.org, n.d., p. 47). In the case in which a possession has been admired, both parties have equal chances of winning. Usually, the party that is more sincere of the two and means what he says wins the argument. This does not mean that Arabs do not possess their things. In fact, they take immense pride in their possessions, and tend to show them to others happily. Nevertheless, “the point of it all is not to be rich, but to be profligate and generous beyond one’s means” (Iseman, 1978, p. 51). This attitude gives the receiver of the gift the impression that he is highly respected and valued by the giver of the gift. Thus, the receiver of the gift develops very positive feelings for the giver of the gift and the sense of brotherhood and association between the two is strengthened. The generosity and hospitality of the Arabs shows at both national and international level. They help each other out in tough times. From the grant of scholarships for the deserving students in the developing and the underdeveloped countries to providing countries affected by earthquake and such other natural catastrophes with financial aid, Arabs extend the hand of assistance in every case. “In an impressive show of international solidarity, officials from dozens of countries gathered in Kuwait City and offered tangible financial support for displaced Syrians who are now living throughout the region. Three countries, however, were well ahead of all the others in generosity. The UAE, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia each pledged a remarkable $300 million” (Gabaudan, 2013). The Arab countries of the Arabian Peninsula stand by each other in the tough times and do all they can in their capacity to resolve each other’s problems. The hospitality of Arabs overtly reflects in their behavior right from the start till the end of interaction. When the Arabs meet each other, they kiss each other on the cheeks. In many parts of the world, kissing is interpreted in a different way but when two Arabs meet each other, it is a brotherly kiss that serves as an emblem of their affection and sincere thoughts for each other. Another behavior that is quite noticeable in their meetings is that they greet each other with a smile on their face. Again, there is a strong religious reason behind this behavior; smile has a lot of significance in Islam. In one hadith, Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) said, “Smiling at your brother’s face is as charity (Sadaqa)” (theKhalids.org, 2011). Even if the Arab host has a plan of going somewhere and a guest appears unexpectedly, the Arab would not even mention that he was about to leave unless leaving is critically important. A plan of outing made with the family might be postponed upon the arrival of guests. The guests are entertained with different kinds of snacks, fruits, eatables, and drinks. Dates are commonly served to the guests as they are in abundance in the Arabian Peninsula both in quantity and variety. The guests are offered to have complete meal of lunch or dinner with the host depending upon what time of the day is it. Receiving guests is considered as a way of getting honor by the Arabs. This perception makes guests seem like an opportunity rather than a liability. When the Arabs send someone an invitation, they tend to be quite definite. Ideally, they send the individual a written invitation that mentions the specific time at which the individual is invited. In the Arab world, the Arabs feel obliged to display hospitality when they are in their own territory whether it is their home or their office. This is considered as a necessity that is tied to protection of the status, dignity, and personal image of the Arabs. Failure to be hospitable is considered as a sin in the Arab culture. The intense dedication to generosity and hospitality can be observed throughout the Arab society at every level, though the demand for humility or modesty often offsets it because modesty requires an individual to refuse what is granted more than deserved. Generally, it is believed that when an individual praises himself, he lies; if the thing that is praised really exists, it is others who may recognize the quality and should praise it rather than the individual himself. This generosity can even be witnessed at the most minor events of the Arab society. When an Arab has something to eat or drink, he feels obliged to offer it to the person he is with and share it with him. The other person is not expected to pay for the coffee. If at all he wants to compensate in some manner, then he may purchase the coffee for himself and the other person the next time. If an Arab is having a cup of tea and someone joins in, he is also offered the tea. The Arabs deal with their friends and neighbors with extreme hospitality. Islam instructs its followers to be so nice to their neighbors. The generosity and hospitality of the Arabs has not only promoted a very good image of the Arabs all over the world, but has also played a significant role in the development of their countries. Owing to their good behavior, foreign investors and corporations feel encouraged to invest in the Arab countries in the Arab Peninsula. There is hardly any Arab country in the Arabian Peninsula that has bad international affairs with any other country. In fact, the whole world primarily depends upon these Arab countries for the supply of oil. The good relations these Arab countries have maintained with other countries of the world throughout the history is an important reason why all countries feel encouraged to trade with the Arab countries of the Arabian Peninsula. Every year, thousands of foreigners visit the Arab countries in search of employment opportunities and are easily accommodated there. They find it easy to communicate with the Arabs and establish businesses in their countries. The Arabs help them with the process of establishment in the Arab countries and give them ideas and useful advice about ways in which the business deals between them can be made profitable and mutually beneficial. It is beyond doubt that the foreigners commonly experience culture shock when they arrive in the Arab countries for the first time, but unlike the culture shock experienced in other countries of the world, this culture shock is overcome in very less time. The generosity and hospitality of the Arabs helps these foreigners overcome the culture shock so that their ability to contribute to the development of the countries is maximized. The foreigners soon start to understand the norms, values, customs, trends and traditions of the Arab countries and do not find it difficult to adapt to them. As a result of this, good relationships and understanding is fostered between the foreigners and the native Arab people of the Arabian Peninsula. Foreign labor, trade, and investment have empowered the Arab countries economically as well as structurally. This is the reason why a vast majority of the Arab countries are so prosperous and are able to provide their residents with a high standard of living. Concluding, generosity and hospitality are two of the most fundamental traits of the culture of the Arabs in the Arab Peninsula. The extreme generosity and hospitality of the Arabs is often very surprising for the outsiders and they find it hard to understand how can people be so selfless and generous. Arabs think of it more as an obligation and cultural duty to be generous and hospitable to each other as well as outsiders than simply a behavior. That is why they are famous for generosity and hospitality. Three main reasons of their generosity and hospitality are their centuries of living and trade in the deserts that made them extremely dependent upon one another, the teachings of Islam that place immense emphasis on the display of generosity and hospitality toward others, and the homogeneity of the culture and demographics of the Arab countries in the Arabian Peninsula. Islam is the religion of a vast majority of the Arabs in the Arabian Peninsula, and its impact and influence of the culture of the countries in the Arabian Peninsula is immense. The extreme generosity and hospitality of the Arab people makes the foreigners feel like at home in the Arab countries. This has benefited both the Arabs and the foreigners as millions of foreigners are employed in the Arab countries and are contributing to the development and prosperity of the Arab countries. Both nationally and internationally, the Arab countries of the Arabian Peninsula have adopted the policies of generosity and hospitality which has helped them foster good relations with other countries of the world. References: Chaudhry, D. (2012, Aug. 8). The Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): The Master of Tolerance. Retrieved from http://www.examiner.com/article/the-holy-prophet-muhammad-pbuh-the-master-of-tolerance. ezsoftech.com. (2011, Mar. 31). Islam and Generosity (Sakhawat): The power of giving. Retrieved from http://www.ezsoftech.com/stories/mis15.asp. Gabaudan, M. (2013, Feb. 13). Generosity of Arab Donors Works Best through UN Aid. Refugees International. Retrieved from http://www.refugeesinternational.org/blog/generosity-arab-donors-works-best-through-un-aid. globalsecurity.org. (n.d.). Unit 5: Hospitality and Friendship. Retrieved from http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/report/1997/arab_culture/f8hospit.pdf. Iseman, P. (1978). The Arabian Ethos. Harper. 256(1533), 37-56. Jabir al-Jaza'iry, A. B. (2013). Kindness and Generosity. Retrieved from http://www.islaam.net/main/display.php?id=1330&category=141. Shokatfard, R. (2012, Aug. 27). How Did Prophet Muhammad Treat His Enemies? Retrieved from http://www.onislam.net/english/reading-islam/about-muhammad/458575-how-did-prophet-muhammad-treat-his-enemies.html. theKhalids.org. (2011). How to win others' Hearts?! Retrieved from http://www.thekhalids.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=536:how-to-win-others-hearts&catid=39:Newsletter%20Archive&Itemid=57. Read More